Predator Tracked Down

From Platte Valley Media

(MERRICK COUNTY, Neb.) — A two state investigation finally landed this predator behind bars. Shared from the Merrick County Sheriffs office.

In 2022, Deputy Brandi Coufal began to investigate a male subject who was employed at a convenient store in rural Merrick County. Based on Deputy Coufal’ s instincts, she started to monitor his demeanor, the statements the subject made to others, and his behavior and interest towards juveniles. After identifying the subject as Herbert Glen Eddards-44, she started to investigate and monitor social networks for information on this individual. Deputy Coufal located an address in Benton County Iowa and contacted authorities to inquire about Mr. Eddards.

Deputy Coufal was contacted within minutes from an investigator expressing his gratitude as Mr. Eddards was a suspect in a sexual abuse of a minor child investigation that had taken place from
2016-2020, has fled from the State of Iowa, evaded authorities and was believed to be in the Florida area.

Iowa law enforcement made arrangements to come to Merrick County to make an unannounced contact with Mr. Eddards to prevent him from fleeing the area again.

Deputy Coufal continued to work with Iowa investigators while they began to construct a successful investigation which led to an affidavit for arrest warrant being issued with full extradition to Iowa.

In January 2023, a full extraditable warrant was obtained from Benton County, Iowa. Eddards was taken into custody by the Merrick County Sheriff’s Office.

Mr. Eddards waived extradition and was transported back to Benton County, Iowa to stand trial for the charges of Second Degree Sexual Abuse of a Child, Assault with Intent to Commit Sexual Abuse, and Lascivious Acts Causing Serious Bodily Injury.

On March 21, 2024, Deputy Coufal attended the sentencing hearing of Herbert Glen Eddards in the Benton County District Court in Iowa along with Investigator Tyler Brandt and Investigator Mark Johnson with the Benton County Sheriff’s Office.

Eddards plead guilty to Third Degree Sexual Abuse of a Child (F) and Lascivious Acts (F) and received 10 years for Sexual Abuse of a Child with Lifetime Sex Offender Registry (T3 Highest Level of SOR) and Lifetime Parole, and 5 years for Lascivious Acts. Eddards has no option to appeal the courts on the Third Degree Sexual Abuse of a Child.

We are extremely fortunate for the tenacity and determination demonstrated by Deputy Coufal. Because of her relentless pursuit to keep the children and residents of Merrick County safe from another predator like Herbert Glen Eddards from harming another child.

Authorities from the Benton County Sheriff’s Office, DEA Human Trafficking Iowa Division, Benton County Attorney’s Office, Benton County Guardian Ad Litem, and the brave victim who presented a victim impact statement allowing her the ability to address the years of abuse and continued trauma she suffered and continues to suffer from the abuse and hands of Eddards, all expressed their gratitude for Deputy Coufal and her persistent efforts to track this predator and assist them in their investigation and conviction of Eddards.

We, as an agency, can not thank Deputy Coufal enough and appreciate her service to our department and to the citizens of Merrick County!!